William Makepeace Thackeray Born in 1811
On this day in 1811, English novelist William Makepeace Thackeray was born in Calcutta, India. He is best known for his satirical masterpiece Vanity Fair (1847–48) and the historical novel The History of Henry Esmond, Esq. (1852). Thackeray's works are celebrated for their sharp social commentary and characterisation.
Daily Quiz Questions for July 17
Test your general knowledge with these 10 questions. Answers are provided at the end.
- Which female singer in 1964 became the first British artist to win a Grammy Award?
- Who was the author of the 1923 play and novel entitled Rookery Nook?
- Which fruit is used to make the Eastern European spirit Slivovitz?
- Which synthetic fibre used in tyres and body armour was developed by Stephanie Kwolek in 1965?
- What animal name is given to an older woman who pursues younger men?
- Which Essex seaside resort has the longest pleasure pier in the world?
- Under what name did Marcella Detroit and Siobhan Fahey enjoy chart success in the 1990s?
- In criminal slang, what role does a 'Peterman' specialise in?
- Which actress was painted gold in the Bond movie Goldfinger?
- Which UK city houses the headquarters of the DVLA?
Answers
- Petula Clark
- Ben Travers
- Damson plums
- Kevlar
- Cougar
- Southend-on-Sea
- Shakespeare's Sister
- Safe cracking
- Shirley Eaton
- Swansea
Cryptic Clues
Solve the clues to find two different answers. The first is a six-letter word; then add a letter for the second answer.
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- Put into some kind of order but then blew a fuse
- When given a faint colouring, went off
- Product protection for someone in a ward perhaps
- Annoys the river-bank sportsmen
- Relish a sharp tingly sensation
- Taking out the middle bit whilst adding some points
- Quaint antique collectables about which you’re very inquisitive
- A modern-day pop artist pursued by a hunter
- Lashing out on something then putting it down under
- Something to put the wind up the cargo
